GRS – The Surprising Cure for GAS
When I first dipped my toes into photography, I caught a case of GAS—Gear Acquisition Syndrome—faster than I ever imagined.
Within a month of owning my Sony A7CII, I had already expanded beyond the kit lens. A 24-105 f/4 G OSS? Had to have it. A nifty fifty? Essential. A 35mm f/1.4 GM? Irresistible. The excitement of exploring new focal lengths and chasing “better” image quality was addicting.
And it didn’t stop there. Over the next year, my collection grew: the Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM, a Sigma 100–400mm DG/DN OS telephoto, a Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8, and a Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f/2.8. By my second year of shooting, I even added a Fujifilm X100VI to my bag—a fun, compact everyday carry that taught me the freedom of a fixed lens.
And it didn’t stop there. Over the next year, my collection grew: the Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM, a Sigma 100–400mm DG/DN OS telephoto, a Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8, and a Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f/2.8. By my second year of shooting, I even added a Fujifilm X100VI to my bag—a fun, compact everyday carry that taught me the freedom of a fixed lens.
The Fuji did what it was meant to: it came with me everywhere. But every time I compared the files, I found myself disappointed. After getting used to the richness of a full-frame Sony sensor, the X-Trans just couldn’t quite keep up, even with its megapixel advantage.
And then came a turning point: my first Leica, the M11 GBP.
That camera reshaped everything. Suddenly, all my Sony lenses and the little Fuji weren’t being used at all—they were just sitting on the shelf, collecting dust.
Enter GRS
This fall, I’ve got two trips to NYC for work, and one to London planned with my family. As much as I love my M11, the thought of taking it through rainy London made me nervous. No weather sealing. No backup.
At the same time, I couldn’t shake the guilt of sitting on gear that someone else could put to better use. That’s when it hit me—I didn’t need more gear. I needed less.
Call it Gear Reduction Syndrome (GRS).
I boxed up my entire Sony and Fuji lineup and sent it off to MPB (not sponsored). In exchange, I picked up something that feels like the perfect middle ground: the Leica Q3 43.
The Q3 gives me the best of both worlds—the simplicity of a fixed lens, the image quality of a full-frame sensor, and as a bonus, IP52 dust and water resistance. It’s a take-anywhere workhorse with autofocus, the perfect complement to the manual experience of my M11.
Why Less Is More
Now, for the first time in years, I’m back down to two cameras:
The Leica M11 for the immersive, manual shooting experience.
The Leica Q3 43 for high-quality everyday shooting with autofocus and durability.
It feels liberating. Instead of worrying about which lens to pack, I just pick up one camera and go. Instead of bouncing between focal lengths, I focus on the shot in front of me.
GRS cured my GAS.
This fall, with my favorite season’s light and upcoming travels to NYC and London, I can’t wait to see what happens when I stop chasing gear—and start chasing images.
